Telegraph-Journal reporter Peter McGuire said in his weekly column he had a flashback to the days of Scott Howes when watching Mike Hoffman and his #27. The legendary 2007-08 team would never have made it to the final four if not for Howes and his 42 regular season goals, still a team record.

There was another important trade made earlier that season as well which saw Alexandre Picard-Hooper arrive in Saint John. The 2009-10 edition of Picard-Hooper has arrived.

The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, the American Hockey League affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins, released Nicholas Petersen and has been sent back to Saint John. Peterson was drafted by the Stanley Cup Champions in this past June's draft in fourth round.

Petersen competed in Sea Dogs training camp this season before going to Penguins rookie camp and eventually main camp. He was assigned to the baby Penguins with former Sea Dogs captain Alex Grant before being released today.

Petersen played in all 68 regular season games with the Shawinigan Cataractes last season. He had 37 goals and 90 points. The forward also had 10 goals and 22 points in 21 playoff games in the Cataractes trip the President's Cup final.

The Wakefield, Quebec native had two goal and four points with the Sea Dogs in pre-season action this season.

Saint John now has too many overage players with Petersen now on board. He joins Alexandre Leduc, Marc-Antoine Gelinas, and the injured Mike Hoffman as 20 year olds.

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Two former members of the Saint John Sea Dogs are stuck in the basement of the QMJHL with the Halifax Mooseheads.

"It’s frustrating to come close," said Mooseheads defenseman Pascal Amyot to the Chronicle-Herald after a 4-2 loss on Sunday. "It’s even more frustrating than losing 6-1 because we had a shot to win that game. It was just some little mistakes that hurt us. But we have to stay positive. We know that yesterday we played better than we did before and today we played better than we did yesterday so we’re improving every day. It will come eventually."

Amyot, and forward Matt Stoddard are both former Sea Dogs. Amyot was traded last season at the trade deadline for the Mooseheads first overall European draft selection. Stoddard left the club this summer in search of ice time.

Amyot, an overage defenseman with the herd, where's an "A" on his sweater (seen in picture). In his two in a half seasons in Saint John he had seven points and 31 points in 149 games.

Stoddard, now a 19 year old who has always fell short of expectations, has watched the last two games from the press box along with Jessyko Bernard, Sawyer Hannay and Alex MacDonald.

The Mooseheads sit dead last in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League with a winless record in six games. One of those games included a 6-1 loss at Harbour Station to Saint John.

Both look to turn the Mooseheads fortune around on Thursday against Rimouski.

Monday, September 28, 2009

The Saint John Sea Dogs haven't exactly been a hit at the gate this season. After five home games this season the team is averaging 3,331 fans, which is 52% of Harbour Station's total capacity.

"We're mildly concerned," said Saint John Sea Dogs team president Wayne Long in a today's Telegraph-Journal.

The average is still good for fifth in the league, usually where Saint John sits at the end of the season. Last season, attendance grew larger from the previous season for the first time in team history.

The truth is, Saint John has been hit by some bad luck in regards to this season's schedule. The team has played five home games in the last nine days. To make things worse, two were on Sunday and one on Wednesday, days that are always hard to bring fans in.

Attendance numbers are often small this time of season with baseball still to be played and the warm weather outside. The numbers have also been magnified this season with the Rivalry Cup challenge including attendance again this season. The next Rivalry Cup game could easily bring in the largest crowd of the season with the Sea Dogs on the road for the next six games. It's also "Pink at the Rink" night, with proceeds going to the Canadian Breast Cancer Society.

Victoriaville has the league's highest average with 101%. The Halifax Mooseheads are having some of the smallest crowds in there 16 year history. Sunday's game at the Metro Centre against Gatineau had an announced crowd of 4,457.

Saint John Sea Dogs sniper Mike Hoffman will miss the next one to three weeks with a fractured foot.

The Telegraph-Journal released this morning that he has a hairline fracture in his foot after blocking a shot. Hoffman suffered the injury in a 6-1 loss to PEI on Wednesday, his only game as Sea Dog. He was originally listed as day-to-day by the club.

In that game it appeared he had hurt his hand in a fight against Joel Champagne, the same play that Mike Thomas was suspended six games for by the QMJHL.

Hoffman missed both games this weekend, a 5-2 loss to Victoriaville and a 4-3 shootout win against Moncton. He will be missed as the Dogs hit the road for the next six contests beginning on Friday in Montreal.

The Ottawa Senators sent Hoffman to Saint John last week after being released from their training camp roster.

Picture from Vince Chan and David Connel photography:http://picasaweb.google.com/conzie9

First intermission turned scary on Sunday at Harbour Station as the Saint John Sea Dogs defeated the Moncton Wildcats 4-3 in a shootout.

Sea Dogs mascot Fleaburn has been playing with a ATV on the ice during intermissions for the past few games. Spinning in circles and waving to fans has been a welcomed addition to usually lack luster 18 minute period.

Things took a turn for the worst on Sunday as Fleaburn hit an on ice worker with the off road automobile.

The young lady was taking the spokes out of the ice that hold the net in place in the east end of Harbour Station. As she was bent down on one knee, Fleaburn came spinning around the corner and hit the women. She was pushed for one end of the trapezoid behind the net to another by the wheels of the ATV.

Several shrieks came from the few hundred fans who were still in their seats. The arena went dead silent as she lay motionless for a few moments.

It was visible that Fleaburn was asking if she was okay for several minutes. She would be okay and laughed about the incident after. Fleaburn on the other hand, left the ice very upset following the drama and was not seen in the second period. He returned the following intermission.

Nobody is to blame for the incident. The on ice worker was not paying any attention to the mascot. Fleaburn was waving to the crowd in a costume that has to be difficult to see out of.

Sunday, September 27, 2009

SAINT JOHN- It was far from perfect, but the Saint John Sea Dogs managed to pull off a shootout win over the Moncton Wildcats. With the 4-3 win over the Cats, the Sea Dogs are now alone at the top of the Atlantic division standings.

Danick Gauthier got Saint John on the board early at 1:38. Gaithier picked up a loose puck that was turned over behind the Moncton net and slid it by Wildcats starter Louis Domingue.

In his second game back from Vancouver Canucks training camp, Yann Sauve got his first of the season to make it 2-0 for the home side. He took a big shot that went through traffic and by Domingue. Assists went to Stanislav Galiev and Gauthier.

Yukon native Ted Stephens made it 2-1 when he beat Karel St-Laurent at 17:59. The goal was power play marker, continuing Saint John's league worst penalty kill woes.

Daniel Petterson scored at 2:52 of the second period to tie the game 2-2 going into the third period.

Louis Domingue had some equipment problems making Wendell Vye come in on relief at 3:27. The problem was quickly solved with Vye making only a blocker save in relief.

Alexandre Leduc took a stick in the face at the Moncton blue line that went uncalled in the third period. Leduc slowly went to the bench as a Saint John player took his spot, only to be called for to many men. The call was unpopular among the Harbour Station faithful, especially Saint John coach Gerard Gallant.

Moncton went to the power play allowing highly touted prospect Brandon Gormley to score his second of the season from the point.

Momentum started to shift midway through the third period.

After being criticized by the Daily Gleaner this week, Zach Phillips scored his first Quebec Major Junior Hockey League goal. He took a pass in front of the goal and shot it home to send the game to overtime.

Saint John dominated the Wildcats in overtime, out shooting Moncton 5-1. It appeared that center Michael Kirkpatrick had won the game with a shot from face-off circle but was ruled no goal and not reviewed.

Shots were tied 32-32 through the four periods.

After both shooters were stopped in the opening round of the shootout, Jonathan Huberdeau embarrassed Louis Domingue with a slick move that had the netminder on the other side of the goal.

With the break away challenge in sudden death, Nicholas Pard won it for Saint John beating Domingue down low.

St-Laurent had a strong game following a poor start Wednesday against PEI. Domingue took his first loss of the season, who struggled with his rebound control.

With the win, Saint John takes a 2-1 lead in the Brunswick News Rivalry Cup. The two teams meet again at Harbour Station on October 17.

NOTES: The attendance was 2,987... Mike Hoffman did not play for the second straight game. He is listed as day-to-day with a lower body injury... there was a scary incident during the first intermission when Fleaburn hit a Harbour Station ice worker with the four wheeler... the game was physical, but not your typical Saint John-Moncton match... the Sea Dogs announced that October 17 will "pink in the rink" night... Steven Anthony continues to struggles without the help of Olivier Oullet on his line.. Gerard Gallant finally showed Saint Jihn that he can yell, giving it to the officials several times.

Visiting Team: Moncton WildcatsRecord: 4-1-0-0 (Tied 1st in Atlantic)Last Season Record: 48-14-2-4 (1st Atlantic)Last Game: 4-1 win @ Cape Breton on FridayLeading Scorer: Scott Brannon: 3-3-2-5Notes: The Wildcats are predicted to win the Atlantic division… Moncton has three NHL drafted players: Randy Cameron (Detroit), Mark Barberio (Tampa Bay), and David Savard (Columbus)… they selected highly touted Russian Kirill Kabanov in the 2009 CHL Import Draft with the seventh overall pick. Kabanov has been with the club for a few weeks but is still waiting clearance to play by the IIHF… Brandon Gormley is expected to be a top ten selection in the 2010 NHL entry draft… the Cats won both games of the 2008-09 Brunswick News Rivalry Cup… head coach Danny Flynn is a former assistant coach with the New York Islanders.

Home Team: Saint John Sea DogsRecord: 4-2-0-0 (Tied 1st in Atlantic)Last Season Record: 34-30-2-2 (3rd Atlantic)Last Game: 5-2 loss vs Victoriaville on FridayLeading Scorer: Kevin Gagne: 6-0-7-7Notes: 0-2 all-time in Rivalry Cup games… coming off back-to-back home loses… the Sea Dogs have yet to play Moncton this season, including pre-season play… this is the last game of a five game home stand… Mike Hoffman is questionable for the game due to a lower body injury. He is listed as day-to-day… as of Saturday night, Saint John has the worst penalty kill in the league with a 53.6% rating. The Sea Dogs had the third best last season… Mike Thomas is serving the third game of a six game suspension.

Point Format:Head-to-head on ice: Two points for a regulation, overtime or shootout win. One point for an overtime or shootout loss. Each team can total a maximum of 16 points.Box office: The attendance for all eight games between the Wildcats and Sea Dogs will be calculated. Teams are awarded a half point for 70 per cent building capacity, one point for 80 per cent, two points for 90 per cent and three points for 100 per cent. Each team can earn a maximum of 12 points.Holiday food drive: Five points are awarded to the city that collects the most non-perishable food items during a food drive that will take place during home games against each other on New Year's Eve and Jan. 2.Mascot challenge: Each club will host two intermission events featuring the mascots. One point is awarded for a victory. Four total points are up for grabs in this category.Road trip challenge: Two points are awarded for the team that has the most fans show up at the opposition's arena wearing Wildcats or Sea Dogs apparel. These fans will parade onto the ice to be counted. It's for one designated game in each city with the dates to be announced.

The challenge was issued by Saint John last season. The Sea Dogs gave fans the return of Chris DiDomenico while Wildcats fans got a large amount of giveaways.

The Wildcats won the inaugural Brunswick News Rivalry Cup last season, selling out the game. The new format includes more than just attendance.

Saturday, September 26, 2009

In the "this isn't going to go well" department, you can find tomorrow's game between the Moncton Wildcats and the Saint John Sea Dogs.

The Sea Dogs are going into the game losers of their past two games while being outscored 11-3. The Sea Dogs will also be finishing off a five game home stand. The home stand not only takes place in September but in the span of eight days, making it difficult to average large crowds,

Crowd size usually is not a huge factor in games, but most games are not the Brunswick News Rivalry Cup challenge. The revamped, second annual challenge begins tomorrow.

Here is how the point system works this season:

Head-to-head on ice: Two points for a regulation, overtime or shootout win. One point for an overtime or shootout loss. Each team can total a maximum of 16 points.

Box office: The attendance for all eight games between the Wildcats and Sea Dogs will be calculated. Teams are awarded a half point for 70 per cent building capacity, one point for 80 per cent, two points for 90 per cent and three points for 100 per cent. Each team can earn a maximum of 12 points.

Holiday food drive: Five points are awarded to the city that collects the most non-perishable food items during a food drive that will take place during home games against each other on New Year's Eve and Jan. 2.

Mascot challenge: Each club will host two intermission events featuring the mascots. One point is awarded for a victory. Four total points are up for grabs in this category.

Road trip challenge: Two points are awarded for the team that has the most fans show up at the opposition's arena wearing Wildcats or Sea Dogs apparel. These fans will parade onto the ice to be counted. It's for one designated game in each city with the dates to be announced.

With Saint John playing their worst hockey of the season and the crowd size decreasing every game on the home stand, it's very possible Saint John walks away with zero points.

Only time will tell when Moncton visits Saint John tomorrow at 4 p.m., Oct. 17 at 7 p.m., Jan. 2 at 7 p.m. and March 5 at 7 p.m. The Wildcats host the Sea Dogs on Dec. 13 at 4 p.m., Dec. 31 at 7 p.m., Feb. 6 at 7 p.m. and March 14 at 4 p.m.

A team could actually lose all eight games, but still win the Rivalry Cup. That club would just need better attendance, more non-perishable food donations, victory in the mascot challenge and more fans to wear team apparel into the opposition's building.

SAINT JOHN- The Saint John Sea Dogs special teams have been anything but special. Victoriaville went 4/6 on the power play on route to a 5-2 win over the Sea Dogs at Harbour Station.

The Sea Dogs struggled offensively and defensively on the night, killing off only two penalty kills and scoring on only once on eight power play opportunities.

The Tigres opened the scoring at 16:19 when Newfoundland native Branden Hynes scored his fifth of the season. Assists went to Joel Chouinard and Tomas Kubalik. Hynes beat goaltender Marc-Antoine Gelinas with a quick one timer to make it 1-0 for the visitors.

Saint John tied the game at 19:03 when Nicholas Pard took a cross ice pass from Jonathan Huberdeau to tie the game. The line of Huberdeau, Pard, and Olivier Oullet had a strong game.

Just when it looked liked the Sea Dogs would go to the dressing room all tied at 1-1, Jonathan Bonneau managed to push the puck into the Saint John net in a mad scramble. The goal at 19:35 was assisted by Andrej Nestrasil. It was the Tigres second power play goal on the night.

Saint John led Victoriaville in shots 13-8 at the first intermission, an intermission that included an elderly man taking a t-shirt in the face from the 97.3 The Wave Extreme Team.

At 8:37 overage forward Alexandre Leduc took a hit from behind by Patrick Dore. A scrap ensued between Dore and Danick Gauthier.

Fans booed the officials as Saint John was not given a power play after the hit as Gauthier was given a game misconduct for "removal of equipment". Telegraph-Journal reporter Andrew McGilligan said on the News 88.9 post-game "I guess dropping your gloves counts as removal of equipment."

With it being match number 47 on the QMJHL schedule, it seemed appropriate that number 47 Simon Despres net his first of the season. Despres scored the goal of his career at 14:19 taking a pass from Gelinas beside the Sea Dogs net and skating coast-to-coast and deked several players, including Tigres netminder Kevin Poulin.

Poulin had a strong game in his first apperance of the season since returning from New York Islanders training camp. He stopped 25 shots in the win.

On the power play at 17:12, Olivier Hinse scored to give Tigres a 3-2 lead going into the third period.

All-star Andrej Nestrasil scored at 6:35 to open the third period scoring. The Red Wings prospect scored the the Tigres' third power play on the night.

In a last ditch effort to score a goal the Sea Dogs pulled Gelinas with Victoriaville on the power play with under two minutes left. PEI native Travis McIsaac stole the puck at the Saint John blue line and shot a floater into the empty cage.

"We have no excuses," said Sea Dogs forward Michael Kirkpatrick after the game on the Sea Dogs Twitter page. "We need to win more battles along the boards and get more shots on net."

The quote echoes what Karel St-Laurent said in Friday's Telegraph-Journal, stating the facts about the Sea Dogs mediocre defense in the past two games.

Saint John has now lost two straight games- both at home. They have been outscored 11-3.

Marc-Antoine Gelinas was very impressive and composed stopping 22 of 26 shots in the loss.

NOTES: The attendance was low for a Friday evening with only 2,987 coming out... Mike Thomas served the second game of a six game suspension... Mike Hoffman did not play and is listed as day-to-day with a lower body injury. He made is season debut on Wednesday... Yann Sauve played one of the worst games of his career and somehow managed a second star honor. Sauve at one point completely wiped out while standing at the blue line... Simon Despres made his season debut after returning from Penguins training camp, scoring a candidate for goal of the year... After the amazing individual effort by Despres, PA announcer Peter McDevitt gave the goal to "#47 Nicholas Pard." He later corrected it with a sarcastic cheer from the crowd... Gerard Gallant called out his star players today in the Telegraph-Journal... In just four home games, Sea Dogs mascot Fleaburn has already surpassed Splash in terms of in game craziness.

Home Team: Saint John Sea DogsRecord: 4-1-0-0Last Season Record: 34-30-2-2 (3rd Atlantic)Last Game: 6-1 loss vs PEI on WednesdayLeading Scorer: Kevin Gagne: 5-0-7-7Notes: Simon Despres will be making his 2009-10 season debut after a long stint at Pittsburgh Penguins training camp… the team is still without Nick Peterson who is in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton but is not listed on the team’s roster… Yann Sauve was sent back to Saint John by Vancouver but is unlikely to play… Kevin Gagne has an assist in every game this season... Saint John is coming off their first loss of the season.

Thursday, September 24, 2009

The QMJHL has suspended Saint John Sea Dogs forward Mike Thomas for six games. The suspension follows a fight in Wednesday's PEI-Saint John tilt at Harbour Station.

Thomas was given an aggressor penalty following the fight. The QMJHL disciplinary prefect has no further commit on the incident.

The video can been seen on SeaDogsTV, the Sea Dogs official YouTube channel (the play begins at the 1:30 mark). He can be seen pounding a Rocket player who is unable to protect himself and laying huddled on the ice. Thomas was thrown out of the game.

The New Maryland native was making his return to Sea Dogs line-up following Philadelphia Flyers training camp. He is a strong candidate for captaincy.

The suspension comes at a bad time with Saint John finishing a home stand this weekend against Victoriaville and the rival Moncton Wildcats. Saint John than hits the road for games against Montreal, Shawinigan, and the Tigres. He will also miss the first of back-to-back games in Cape Breton.

SAINT JOHN- It may be Prince Edward Island's slogan, but "not the PEI you remember" can be used when talking about the island's junior hockey team. The PEI Rocket pounded the Saint John Sea Dogs 6-1 in Quebec Major Junior Hockey League action last night at Harbour Station, handing the Sea Dogs thier first loss of the season.

It was the Rocket's first win at Harbour Station since 2008, a stretch that includes two playoff games, one pre-season game, and four regular season games.

The scoring began early at 18:36 when Josh Currie sent a rebound past Karel St-Laurent to make it 1-0 for PEI.

Jarrad Struthers lifted a floater over top of St-Laurent as the PEI onslaught continued. He pick a rebound up after Lauri Tikoi took a shot from the face-off dot. Jordan Escott also got an assist. That made it 2-0 for the visitors.

That goal was one of four PEI power play goals on the night.

At 13:36 Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Joel Champagne sent a cross ice pass through the crease with Benjamin Casavant banging it home. That made 3-0 Rocket.

Kevin Gagne made a great defensive play to save a goal after St-Laurent went out of his net to play the puck. The Saint John netminder gave away to a PEI forward at the blue line but Gagne slapped the shot down just before it entered the crease area.

Mike Thomas made it known he was back in town and took down Champagne with a big hit. Champagne stayed on the ice for several minutes but was okay to continue.

Steven Anthony took a shot and a made scramble ensued before Tomas Jurco found it and slipped it into the empty cage. Gagne assisted on Jurco's third of the year, continuing the 17 year old's point scoring streak.

Mike Hoffman, making his Saint John Sea Dogs debut, got on the scoring sheet in a way fans didn't expect. Hoffman dropped the gloves with Champagne and got the win in the scrap.

The other Mike as in Thomas also the dropped the gloves coming to Hoffman's defense. "The hammer" was thrown out of the game getting an aggressor penalty, pounding the PEI player as he laid huddled on the ice.

Benjamin Casavant got his second of the game off a Saint John turn over in front of the net to end the first period scoring.

Marco Cousineau made his Rocket debut in fine fashion, making 23 saves on the night.

Former Rocket Marc-Antoine Gelinas came in to replace St-Laurent. He was tested early, making a fabulous cross crease stick save on Branden Street.

Chris Doyle netted his first of the season at 3:31. He blasted home a laser from the point to end the second period.

The Sea Dogs came out to start the third period on a mission. The Dogs fired everything they had but the 2009 Memorial Cup top goaltender Marco Cousineau stood tall in the Rocket net.

With 3:23 remaining in the game, Jordan Escott wristed a shot high glove side to beat Gelinas.

PEI out shot the Sea Dogs 29-24. The Rocket are know tied for first in the Atlantic Division with Saint John. The Sea Dogs fall to a record of 4-1-0-0 while the Rocket improve to 3-0-0-2.

Notes: The attendance was 3,021... PEI was an amazing 4-5 on the power play... Mike Hoffman was held pointless in his first game... former Sea Dogs assistant coach Jim Midgley did colour commentary on News 88.9 FM last night... With Thomas and Hoffman making there season debuts and Pard back from suspension, Scott Oke and Zach Phillips were scratched. Earlier this week, Fredericton's Daily Gleaner called Phillips out for his slow start.

Next Game: Victoriaville Tigres vs Saint John Sea Dogs. Friday, September 25, 2009, at 7:30 pm at Harbour Station. Simon Despres and possibly Yann Sauve will be making there season debuts. This will be the first TGIF-anatical game this season. Victoriaville does not make any appearances at Harbour Station following Friday's game.

Samson Mahbod required five stitches after being hit in the mouth with a stick versus Moncton and might not play tonight because of a strained ligament in his left hand suffered in Sunday’s game against Acadie-Bathurst.

Jordon Southorn didn’t practice Tuesday due to a possible flu and is questionable against Saint John.

Former Sea Dogs assistant coach Jim Midgley and current Rothsay Netherwood head coach is doing colour comentary tonight on News 88.9. Midgley is also on Twitter.

The following are press releases from the past few days as found on theQMJHL website.

Steven Anthony on Insde the Q

BOUCHERVILLE, Wednesday, September 23, 2009 – This week, Inside the Q welcomes Quebec Remparts goaltender Peter Delmas. Delmas reveals how he intends to take his game to another level with the help of former NHL great Patrick Roy.

Also, Saint John Sea Dogs forward Steven Anthony, a 7th round draft pick by the Vancouver Canucks this past summer, chats about his first professional camp experience and shares with listeners what he learned.

If you miss the live show tonight at 6:30 pm, the broadcast will be available on archive on lhjmq.qc.ca.

Anthony comes up short

BOUCHERVILLE, Monday, September 21, 2009 – Chicoutimi Saguenéens forward Jacob Lagacé and Gatineau Olympiques goaltender Maxime Clermont today were named the TELUS offensive and defensive players of the week for the period extending from September 14 to 20.

Lagacé registered three goals and three assists in only two games, helping the Saguenéens earn three valuable points in the league standings. Moreover, he directed twelve shots on net and posted a +1 rating. Lagacé enjoyed his best game of the week on Friday, collecting four points in a 6-4 win over the Victoriaville Tigres. Chicoutimi is second in the TELUS Eastern division standings.

As for Clermont, he collected two wins in two starts, posting a 1.00 goals-against-average and .964 save percentage. Furthermore, he managed to shutout the Foreurs at the air Creebec Centre on Sunday by stopping 23 shots in a 3-0 victory. The Olympiques have yet to lose a game so far this season (4-0).

The Pittsburgh Penguins have released Simon Despres from the teams training camp roster. The Saint John Sea Dogs defenseman was drafted by the Penguins in the 2009 NHL entry draft.

Despres played Monday in front of friend and families at the Bell Centre in Montreal. That game was one of two pre-season games he played in. The "big horse" was learning the life of an NHL player with former Val-d'Or star defenseman Kris Letang.

Despres will not be in tonight's line-up against PEI.

Yann Sauve and the Vancouver Canucks are back in action tonight when they host the San Jose Sharks at General Motors Place.

Sauve has played in two pre-season games including a 6-2 win in San Jose last week. He was also in the line-up for Kraft Hockeyville when the Canucks defeated the Islanders 2-1.

He was drafted 41st overall by the Canucks in the 2008 NHL entry draft.

The Vancouver Sun gad an article on the Canucks prospect today. HERE is the article that includes tonights line-up.

Visiting Team: PEI RocketRecord: 2-0-0-2Last Season Record: 26-32-5-5 (4th Atlantic)Last Game: 3-2 loss @ Acadie-Bathurst on SundayLeading Scorer: Jordan Escott: 3-1-4-5Notes: Goaltender Marco Cousineau is expected to make his PEI Rocket debut after a trade with Drummondville earlier this week… PEI has lost two straight games, both in a shootout… The Rocket have five NHL drafted players… The Rocket have not won a game in Saint John since March of 2008.

Home Team: Saint John Sea DogsRecord: 4-0-0-0Last Season Record: 34-30-2-2 (3rd Atlantic)Last Game: 6-1 win vs Halifax on SundayLeading Scorer: Olivier Oullet: 4-3-3-6Notes: The Sea Dogs are missing Simon Despres and Yann Sauve due to NHL training camps… The Dogs are also missing Nick Peterson but isn’t listed on the team’s roster… Mike Hoffman will be making his Saint John debut… Mike Thomas will be making his regular season debut… The Sea Dogs are off to the be best start in franchise history… defenseman Kevin Gagne has already beaten his point total from last season with six points in four games.

It is V-alue Wednesday at Harbour Station. In celebration of season V, upper bowl tickets are only $5.

Mike Hoffman will where the number of former Sea Dogs sniper Scott Howes. The number 27 has not been worn since 2007-08.

Hoffman practiced on a line with Mike Thomas and Olivier Oullet yesterday.

This is the first meeting of the two teams this season. Three of the games played against PEI this season will be on a Wednesday.

PEI has not won in Saint John since March of 2008. That game was won in overtime, a win that cost Saint John the eastern division banner.

The Rocket are looking to finally end years of mediocrity. PEI has been selected to be a top contender in seasons past but never lived up to expectations. The Hockey News picked them to finish third in the Atlantic this season, ahead of Saint John.

PEI and Saint John met in the first round of the 2008 playoffs with Saint John sweeping the Rocket.

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Former Saint John Sea Dogs goaltender Robert Mayer has been sent to the American Hockey League's Hamilton Bulldogs. The Montreal Canadiens shipped the Swiss native to Hamilton yesterday.

Mayer was signed by the Canadiens last season as a free agent after being passed over in the 2008 NHL draft.

In 65 games last season, he had a record of 26-25 with a 3.25 goals against average and two shutouts. He holds the Sea Dogs record for most shutouts in one season and in a career. He also has one shutout in pre-season action.

The Swiss native played for Switzerland in the 2008 World Junior Hockey Championship and played in the 2008 Home Hardware Top Prospects Game.

It sound's like a title you would hear coming out of Saint John Sea Dogs training camp. But for the 2009-10 Sea Dogs team things are anything but ordinary. Coming off the best start to a season in franchise history (4-0-0-0), the Sea Dogs have announced several roster changes.

Today, Sea Dogs director of hockey operations Mike Kelly stated that Mike Hoffman has officially been cleared to play for tomorrow's game against PEI. The former 52 goal scorer joined the team on Sunday after the Ottawa Senators issued him back to the QMJHL.

Nicholas Pard (pictured above) has been reinstated after what the Sea Dogs are calling "ungentlemanly conduct". Although the team never confirmed it, several sources released information that the forward had been suspended after a drunken fight at the Sean Kingston concert last Tuesday. Pard has played in two games this season and has one assist.

Rookie forward Aiden Kelly has been issued back to the Saint John Vito's where he spent all of last season. Kelly was selected by the Sea Dogs in the second round of this past summers QMJHL entry draft. He has played in all of the teams games this season.

Several news sources are reporting that Nick Peterson is close to signing an American Hockey League deal with the Pittsburgh Penguins affiliate in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.

Simon Despres and Yann Sauve are still at NHL training camps with the Penguins and Vancouver Canucks, respectively. Despres, in his first training camp with the Pens, is expected to be sent back to Saint John later this week.

Along with Hoffman, Mike Thomas will be making his season debut tomorrow night when the Dogs host the PEI Rocket (3-1-0-0). Catch the Station Nation pre-game tomorrow.

Monday, September 21, 2009

Philadelphia Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren released several players from its training camp roster today.

Among those players was Saint John Sea Dogs tough guy and New Maryland native Mike Thomas. Thomas is expected to play a big role this season, his fourth with the Dogs. He is expected to be a strong candiadte for team caoptian this season.

The following press release was posted on the Saint John Sea Dogs website regarding an error in the 50/50 draw computer system.

During Saturday night’s game, an error occurred during the draw for the winning ticket.

This error occurred due to a software upgrade that was completed on the system this past week by 50/50 Central, who is the company that operates the system. In this upgrade, they made one change that caused the system to drop the last number from the tickets sold. When the winning number was drawn, it included the last number which caused the confusion.

As a result, we had 2 people declared winners that had the first 5 numbers correct. The winners of the draw were Debbie Cooper and Chris Clayton. They were each given $4,701.

Due to the error, the Sea Dogs Foundation paid full winnings of $4,701 to both ticket holders.We have worked with 50/50 Central and are assured the problem has been corrected. They are on hand today and will monitor today’s game to be sure this does not re-occur.

It is important to note that the Shriners organization are only responsible for selling the tickets on our behalf and are in NO WAY involved in the draw or other operations of the 50/50 system. The Shriners do great work for us and the community and we want to assure them that they have everyone’s full support and our appreciation for what they do.

The Sea Dogs Foundation moved to this new model operated by 50/50 Central in order to enhance the program and ensure full transparency in the draw using a computer generated model. In this case, humans and computers made an error and it has been corrected.

We have full confidence in the system and apologize for any confusion that has been caused, and thank you for your continued support

The Ottawa Senators have issued draft pick Mike Hoffman to Saint John. The Sea Dogs acquired the sniper in a trade that sent Chris DiDomenico to the Volts at Christmas. The seemingly impossible feat became real yesterday morning when the Senators issued a press release on the teams website.

Hoffman comes back to junior after scoring 52 goals and 94 points on the explosive Drummondville Voltigeurs last season. He helped the Volts win a QMJHL championship and went on to participate in the Memorial Cup.

Similar to Chris DiDomenico, Hoffman was passed over by the Ontario Hockey League. Unlike DiDomenico, he was drafted into the OHL. He joined the Gatineau Olympics in 2007-08 before being traded to Drummondville at Christmas. He had a combined 24 goals and 48 points between the two teams.

He played in a league of his own last season finishing second in league scoring and fifth in points. He also had 21 goals and 13 assists in 19 playoff games last year.

Hoffman returns to junior from Ottawa Senators training camp, where it seemed he was all but a lock to play for the baby Sens in Binghamton.

He will make his 2009-10 season debut with the Sea Dogs on Wednesday when they host the PEI Rocket. He joins Alex Leduc and Marc-Antoine Gelinas as the teams overagers.

Sunday, September 20, 2009

The Saint John Sea Dogs just keep on rolling with a 6-1 win over the win less Halifax Mooseheads. The Sea Dogs improve to 4-0-0-0, a franchise best record to start on season.

Steven Anthony scored his first of the season to open the scoring. The shorthanded marker came from Anthony speeding down the wing and beating a Moose defenseman one-on-one.

Spencer Metcalfe put a late hit on Danick Gautier and caused a round of fisticuffs with Gautier throwing the Halifax heavyweight to the ice. Both received fighting majors.

Alex Lemieux threw a huge hit on Alex Leduc, landing him in the Sea Dogs bench. The two had a long and spirited fight with Lemieux getting the victory.

Anthony took a weak pass from Olivier Oullet at 6:38 to beat goaltender Joel Gronden who was out of position.

Halifax got on the board as Travis Randell roofed a high shot over the glove of Marc-Antoine Gelinas to end the stanza.

Saint John struggled in the second period. The Dogs couldn't get anything going offensively as veteran Simon Despres was missed at the point. Danick Gauthier had a great chance making a beautiful deke but sending it wide of the goal.

The Sea Dogs young defense was seen, being outshot in the period 18-8.

Gauthier was rewarded for his work, making good of Halifax's defensive miscue and netting his second of the season.

At 8:46 Steven Anthony brought the puck across the bluline and beat Grondin five hole to secure his first career hat trick. Assists went to Nathan Beaulieu and Michael Kirkpatrick.

Gauthier got his second of the game on a rap around to jam it past Grondin.The goal just crossed the line and was initially called no-goal. After convincing the officials to check upstairs, it was ruled a goal. That made it 5-1 Saint John.

While the Sea Dogs fifth goal was still being announced, Tomas Jurco beat a fallen Grondin to score his first goal at Harbour Station and second of the season. Assists went to Oullet and Kevin Gagne.

Pierre Durepos made a terrific play to save a Halifax goal by laying out to block a shot with Gelinas out of position.

Niether team scored on the Power Play. Halifax outshot Saint John 34-32 while the Sea Dogs won where it counts, outscoring the Moose for a final score of 6-1.

Notes: The attendance was 3,115... this was Pascal Amyot and Matthew Stoddard's first game back in Saint John... this was Steven Anthony's first career hat trick... Marc-Antoine Gelinas was sharp when he had to be but was a bit shaky at times... the Sea Dogs struggled in the second period but didn't show any blemishes following the period... the Sea Dogs made a lengthy announcement regarding the 50/50 draw malfunction on Saturday... billet families were honored before the game... public address announcer Peter McDevitt made several mistakes when announcing goals... the announcement of Mike Hoffman arriving in Saint John was made at the end of the game. News 88.9 cut into there game broadcast to make the announcement.

Visiting Team: Halifax MooseheadsRecord: 0-3-0-0Last Season Record: 19-41-3-5 (last in Atlantic)Last Game: 3-1 loss vs Acadie-Bathurst on FridayLeading Scorer(s): Konrad Abeltshauser: 3-2-2-4Notes: The Mooseheads finished in last place in the entire QMJHL last season… Tomas Knotek was recently named the captain of the Moose… Halifax has no NHL draft picks.

Saturday, September 19, 2009

Visiting Team: Cape Breton Screaming EaglesRecord: 1-1-0-0Pre-Season Record: 4-2-0-0Last Season Record: 46-18-3-1 (2nd Atlantic)Last Game: 4-3 loss vs Saint John on SundayLeading Scorer(s): Michael Stinziani: 2-3-0-3Notes: This is the second game of a home-and-home with Saint John… Cape Breton appeared in the Sea Dogs 2007-08 home opener… Former Eagle Joey Haddad was sent to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton along with former Sea Dogs Alex Grant and Nick Peterson… This is Cape Breton’s first road game of the season.

Home Team: Saint John Sea DogsRecord: 2-0-0-0Pre-Season Record: 4-2-0-0Last Season Record: 34-30-2-2 (3rd Atlantic)Last Game: 4-3 win @ Cape Breton on SundayLeading Scorer(s): Kevin Gagne: 2-0-3-3Notes: The Sea Dogs are missing three players today from their active roster due to NHL camps: Yann Sauve (Vancouver), Simon Despres (Pittsburgh) , and Mike Thomas (Philadelphia)… the Sea Dogs are also missing Mike Hoffman (Ottawa) and Nick Peterson (Pittsburgh) but neither are listed on the roster… Karel St-Laurent is getting the start in goal, his second straight home opener start… Steven Anthony will be making his 2009-10 season debut… Nicolas Pard is a healthy scratch after being suspended for a “drunken fight” on Tuesday night… this is the fifth home opener in Sea Dogs history.

This is the fifth home opener in Sea Dogs history. They are 2-2-0-0 all-time.

Karel St-Laurent will become the first Sea Dogs goaltender to play in two straight home openers. St-Laurent had a 5-0 shutout against Val-d’Or last season.

Pre-game festivities for tonight's game begin at 4:00 pm for the second annual fan fest. All fans will receive a free noise maker when entering the building.

A new player entrance and mascot will be unveiled before the game.

Several Sea Dogs alumni from the inaugural team will be honored before the game. They include Vincent Lambert, Jeff Caron, Alexandre Labonte Ryan Moore and Mike Neil. Francois “Go-Go” Gauthier is also expected at the game.

Friday, September 18, 2009

The Saint John Sea Dogs have turned the 2009 edition of opening weekend into a bigger event than ever. As the team begins their home schedule Saturday against Cape Breton, several events are taking place at Harbour Station to celebrate the teams fifth anniversary season.

Saturday

4:00-6:00 pm

Second Annual Saint John Sea Dogs fan fest.Face painting, barbecue, and live music will take place outside the season ticket holders entrance. All proceeds go to the Children's Wish Foundation.

6:00 pm

Harbour Station doors open

Fans receive a free noise maker

6:45 pm

Pre-game festivities begin.

They include a tribute to several former Sea Dogs from the past four seasons. A new player entrance will be introduced, new DJ and PA announcer make there regular season debuts, and the much anticipated mascot unveiling.

Saint John Sea Dogs defenseman Yann Sauve will play in his second pre-season game with the Vancouver Canucks tonight in San Jose. Game time is 11:30 pm and can be viewed on the Canucks website.

This will be Sauve's second pre-season game of the 2009 schedule. He was in the line-up when the Canucks defeated the New York Islanders 2-1. The game did not have a big league feel to it, as it was played in Terrance, British Columbia, host of 2009 Kraft Hockeyville.

Sauve will be paired with veteran defenseman Willie Mitchell for tonight's game according to the Vancouver Sun.

Thursday, September 17, 2009

The Pittsburgh Penguins have not made life easy on the Saint John Sea Dogs.

Overage forward Nick Peterson has been sent to the Penguins American Hockey League affiliate in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. Although unlikely, it is possible for Peterson to still play in Saint John if he does not make the cut for the baby pens and is not assigned to the ECHL.

Peterson playing in Saint John has been a huge question mark for the Sea Dogs all summer. The overager was traded to Saint John from Shawinigan to complete the Alex Grant transaction that took place at the holiday trade deadline.

Peterson played in two pre-season games with the Sea Dogs registering two goals and four points.

The Penguins assigned former Saint John Sea Dogs captain Alex Grant to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton as well.

Sea Dogs star defenseman Simon Despres remains at Pittsburgh training camp. Despres, who was selected with the last pick of the first round of the 2009 NHL entry draft, has impressed scouts so much he could be among the final cuts.

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Forward Steven Anthony has been sent back to Saint John from Vancouver Canucks training camp. The third year Sea Dog should be in the line-up come Saturday, Saint John's home opener.

The Vancouver Sun reported this story this afternoon as Vancouver's training camp roster has been cut down to 49. One of those 49 players include Sea Dogs defenseman Yann Sauve.

Anthony had 19 goals and 48 points last season. He also had a goal and three points in the 2009 playoffs versus Cape Breton. Anthony was drafted in the seventh round #187 overall in last summers NHL entry draft.

Former Saint John Sea Dogs back-up goaltender Troy Passingham has made the Windsor Spitfires of the Ontario Hockey League.

Passingham, who played for the Sea Dogs in 2007-08 and the start of the 2008-09, was the third string goalie. The Ontario native was expected to be the back-up last season but was beat out by Karell St-Laurent.

Passingham told the Windsor Star that he went to Sarnia Sting rookie camp but opted to join the Spits after Sarnia did not offer a contract.

"They told me to be ready," Passingham told the Windsor Star about the possibility of playing in net when the Spits raise the Memorial Cup banner. The Spitfires number one goalie Josh Unice is at pro-camp. Windsor opens the OHL season Thursday against Plymouth.